Page 26 of Bear

“Shit,” I sighed, closing my eyes. “What happened?”

“He knows about you and Shelby. And he’s not happy.” Before I had a chance to tense up at that, Brewer quickly added, “He didn’t lay a finger on her, don’t worry. I had a few boys with me. We looked after her. She’s home safely now.”

I blew out a long, low breath of relief.

“Thank you.”

Brewer paused, then said, “Shelby didn’t want you to know.”

I frowned. “Why?”

“Do I really need to spell that out for you, brother?”

I shook my head. “No. I get it.”

But it still stung that Shelby thought she needed to hide this from me.

“How ugly do you think this is going to get, Bear?” Brewer asked after a minute or two.

I hesitated and shifted my gaze toward the sky. I didn’t want it to get bloody, especially not around Shelby. I didn’t want her to see the violence I was capable of and turn away in fear and horror. But if Justin hurt her, I knew I wouldn’t be able to hold myself back.

“Just stay on standby for now,” I replied.

“Will do. Rooster and Crow are keeping an eye on Shelby until you get back.”

“I’ll be out for a while longer. I’m…trying to track down Carlos.”

Brewer made a noise of concern but I wasn’t ready to share more details so he didn’t press.

“I’ll let them know to remain where they are. Good luck. Call if you need anything, brother.”

I hung up, my mind whirling with thoughts of Shelby and Maisie, Carlos and Pedro. All I wanted to do was head straight back to the apartment and sort things out with Shelby. If she was having trouble with Justin, I wanted to be there by her side. Meanwhile, Carlos was going off the rails and he could wind up in serious trouble - or worse - if I didn’t get him back on track.

Since Rooster and Crow were with Shelby, I knew she was well protected. As much as it killed me to be torn in two, I had to find Carlos.

So, I started my bike and headed onto the highway.

After a few minutes, a large black Hummer pulled in behind me. It barreled closer, the gleaming chrome grill practically kissing my tailpipe. I waved for the car to pass me.

The driver slammed on their horn.

Then I heard the rev of its engine. A split second later, it bumped the back of my bike.

My heart lurched as I wobbled. I fought to remain upright.

The Hummer closed in again.

I veered onto the shoulder of the road. Loose gravel churned beneath my tires and my bike slid out from under me. It was a softer fall than others I’ve had in the past, cushioned by gravel instead of the unyielding surface of asphalt. But pain still sparked in my elbow and hip from the landing.

The Hummer ground to a stop beside me, leaving skid marks deep into the gravel and sending up a plume of dust. A man jumped out and when he turned, I recognized his face.

I scrambled to my feet as Justin stalked toward me.

“Stay the fuck away from Shelby,” he barked. “Keep your filthy, Mexican hands off her.”

I gritted my teeth, the heat of rage burning in my chest. I had to tread very carefully here. It was tempting to think about knocking Justin’s lights out with a right hook to the face, but there were no witnesses. It would be his word against mine and I wasn’t about to take that chance.

“Got nothin’ to say for yourself now, do you?” Justin added. “Shelby isn’t around to see you get all puffed up and preen for her.”

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